Articles
Sex offences and the publication of the defendant’s identity: important legislative changes in Queensland
As of 3 October 2023, persons accused of, and charged with sexual offences including rape, attempted rape, assault with intent to commit rape, and sexual assault, can have their identity published by the media.
Read more
Changes to the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act August 2023
On 1 August 2023, significant changes were made to domestic and family violence protection laws in Queensland in response to the Hear Her Voice recommendations. Amongst other changes, the amendments import “a pattern of behaviour” into the definition of domestic violence, to encompass behaviour that occurs over a period of time or via a series of acts.
Read more
When is a coronial inquest held?
There are certain deaths for which a coronial inquest must be held. This includes deaths in custody and deaths in care. For other deaths, whether an inquest is held or not, is at the coroner’s discretion.
Read more
Public Sector Act 2022 – new employment framework for public sector employees in Queensland
On 1 March 2023, the Public Sector Act 2022 commenced, repealing and replacing the Public Service Act 2008. This new Act sets out a new legislative employment framework for the Queensland public sector.
Read more
What is the Court Link program in Queensland?
Court Link is a Queensland bail-based program focused on rehabilitative and therapeutic methods catered to vulnerable defendants. The goal is to support participants in addressing and overcoming underlying issues, needs and vulnerabilities that may have a link to their criminal offending.
Read more
Your rights during a police interview in Queensland
A police interview is often the start of a criminal matter and can make or break a case. If you do participate in a police interview, regardless of whether it occurs in a formal or informal setting, it is important to know that it can later be used as evidence against you in Court.
Read more
Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) interviews
If you’re involved directly or indirectly in a transport safety incident in Australia, you may be required by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) to be interviewed in relation to that incident. It’s important for people who are required to participant in an ATSB interview to understand their rights and obligations.
Read more
Powers of the National Anti-Corruption Commission
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is an independent Australian Commonwealth agency that will detect, investigate, and report on serious or systemic corrupt conduct in the Commonwealth public sector. The NACC will also educate the public service, and the public, about corruption risks and prevention. The NACC commenced on 1 July 2023.
Read more
Weapons licensing for armourers and theatrical ordnance suppliers Queensland
The findings of an inquest into the death of a stuntman whilst filming a music video in Queensland were the catalyst for a review and scrutiny of the role of armourers and theatrical ordnance suppliers by Weapons Licensing (QLD).
Read more
Are my domestic violence proceedings confidential?
Many people are surprised to hear that domestic violence proceedings are conducted in a strikingly different manner to criminal proceedings. Domestic violence proceedings have a real focus on confidentiality of the parties. This is in recognition that domestic violence proceedings usually contain highly sensitive and personal information.
Read more
Could your behaviour constitute unlawful stalking?
Did you know that intentionally directing your attention towards another person, where that person considers the attention to be unwelcome, destructive, or dangerous can amount to unlawful stalking?
Read more
Disclosure in criminal proceedings
A fundamental part of the criminal justice system is the disclosure of evidence by the prosecution. When criminal proceedings are commenced, the accused has the right to be informed in detail, the nature and reason for a charge. This blog explains the disclosure process in criminal proceedings.
Read more